Education and the Welfare State

The course gives an introduction to the development of the educational system and the welfare system in the Nordic countries, and the historical and political background. Central components are the Norwegian welfare state and Norwegian education policy. The students will be presented with an analysis of the educational philosophy in the Nordic countries regarding economic as well as democratic, cultural and social motives. The ideal of every person's right to education has been a central point in school policy in the Nordic countries. In spite of this, differences in education between girls and boys, various ethnic groups, and children and adolescents of different social standing, arise. Possible explanations to this development will be discussed throughout the course.

The aim of the course is to give students knowledge about the educational system and the welfare system in the Nordic countries today, its recent history and the motives behind it.

Approximately 3 hours of lectures per week, organized as lectures, in-class discussion, seminars, tutoring, and assignments.